Belgium vs Tunisia, LIVE World Cup 2018: Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku score after early VAR decision - latest score and goal updates, predictions and news
Belgium vs Tunisia, World Cup 2018:
England will be keenly watching this game in hope that Belgium slip up against Tunisia. Harry Kane earned England the three points against the northern African side, whose tenacious defending could frustrate Belgium.
Eden Hazard accused his teammates of hiding against Panama and said Lukaku ‘went missing’ as Belgium laboured to a 3-0 win. Kevin De Bruyne and Hazard struggled to find space in attacking areas and Lukaku only had seven touches in the first half, which means Belgium will have to improve on their opening game performance if they want to increase their superior goal difference. While their attack looked unbalanced, there were defensive issues too. Yannick Carrasco did an unconvincing job at left wing-back which could tempt Roberto Martinez to switch to a back four.
Not a bad way to start the day with seven goals and plenty of attacking free flowing football! Next up is South Korea v Mexico and we will have updates and team news coming up here:
Hazard and Lukaku get a brace, before Batshuayi adds a fifth late on. Tunisia manage two goals, but outplayed by a dangerous Belgium side. One of the most entertaining games of the tournament so far
80 mins: It's another open goal for Batshuayi! This time he gets the chance from a rebound but strikes the bar instead of the back of the net. The Belgians queuing up to add to the scoreline
65 mins: Some of the early intensity has gone out of the game, as Tunisia try to limit the scoreline and Belgium try to conserve some energy in humid conditions
59 mins: Romelu Lukaku taken off as a precaution with that potential ankle problem, so won't get his hat-trick this afternoon. But a familiar face comes on as Marouane Fellaini replaces him.
Sassi OFF, and Sliti on for Tunisia, and after their two enforced first half changes, that's their last throw of the dice.
56 mins: Tunisia still trying to press forward, but leaving spaces at the back Belgium can exploit. Now it's more a case of how many can Belgium score, not the scenario England want with the groups top spot potentially going to goal difference
Individual brilliance from Hazard, who beats his two markers, and rounds Ben Mustapha. Pretty much game over now, and Martinez can rest his stars ahead of the England game
Plenty to analyse in that first half, but expect more goals in the second as Tunisia have to get two goals to stay in the tournament, and Michy Batshuayi and co will be raring to go from the bench
A fast-paced half from both sides, as a Hazard penalty and a Lukaku brace cancelled out Bronn's header. Belgium in the driving seat, and look likely to guarantee themselves a place in the last 16.
45 mins: Four minutes added time at the end of this first half, after plenty of injury stoppages and goal celebrations...the heat could play a part as the game nears it's conclusion this afternoon, very warm conditions, and especially tough for the Tunisian's who have had to chase the ball
Belgium vs Tunisia kicks off on Saturday 23 June at 13:00 in Moscow’s Spartak Stadium.
Where can I watch it?
BBC will be showing the game live on BBC One and online.
Odds
Belgium: 1/3
Tunisia: 10/1
Draw: 4/1
Prediction
Belgium 2-0 Tunisia. Belgium eventually got their act together and managed to put three past Panama, and Tunisia are unlikely to repel their impressive attack. Tunisia held out for 91 minutes before Harry Kane scored a late winner, and it is conceivable that Belgium will hit Tunisia late in the game.
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